diff --git a/extenderitem.cpp b/extenderitem.cpp
index 24739f6b9..2f48d00a7 100644
--- a/extenderitem.cpp
+++ b/extenderitem.cpp
@@ -434,6 +434,15 @@ bool ExtenderItem::isCollapsed() const
 
 void ExtenderItem::setAutoExpireDelay(uint time)
 {
+    if (!time) {
+        if (d->expirationTimer) {
+            d->expirationTimer->stop();
+            delete d->expirationTimer;
+            d->expirationTimer = 0;
+        }
+        return;
+    }
+
     if (!isDetached()) {
         if (!d->expirationTimer) {
             d->expirationTimer = new QTimer(this);
diff --git a/extenderitem.h b/extenderitem.h
index 869599260..1f789a9d1 100644
--- a/extenderitem.h
+++ b/extenderitem.h
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ class PLASMA_EXPORT ExtenderItem : public QGraphicsWidget
          * @param time (in ms) before this extender item destroys itself unless it is detached,
          * in which case this extender stays around. 0 means forever and is the default.
          */
-        void setAutoExpireDelay(uint time = 0);
+        void setAutoExpireDelay(uint time);
 
         /**
          * @return whether or not this extender item has an auto expire delay.